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Why You’ll Fail as a Data Scientist

And how to make sure you're successful

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Do you ever wonder why some data scientists are successful while others never seem to move forward in their careers? It’s not because of poor performance or lack of knowledge but how they set themselves up for success. I’ve been a data scientist and a data analyst and have seen my share of successes and failures. Today I’d like to share my thoughts on how you can ensure you have a successful career as a data scientist.


1. Learn how to explain complex concepts clearly

Data scientists tend to explain Machine Learning results in technical terms. If you fall in this group, learn how to explain results to non-technical people. Stakeholders can’t appreciate your contributions if you can’t explain them in a way they can relate to.

Try to find analogies to explain machine learning to your stakeholders. I worked for a VP that thought machine learning was like running a regression model 😧 . Consider an analogy of how machine learning is like cooking to explain your model-building process to stakeholders.

2. Learn how to tell stories with data

Learn how to create a compelling narrative when presenting your machine learning results. Models can’t provide value if they’re never used by the business. By learning how to present my machine learning results effectively, I was able to convince my stakeholders to adopt my models.

For example, I once built a model that helped identify customers likely to upgrade from an individual to a team pricing plan. Instead of explaining the algorithms I tried and the model accuracy rate, I used data storytelling to present my results.

First I set the stage with how long it took for the sales reps to manually find good leads to upsell. Then I showed how the model could save time for the sales team by scoring each customer to find the best leads. Finally, I showed the model results and how we could potentially double the current conversion rate. The benefits were clear and I got the sign-off to put the model into production.

3. Network early

Keep in touch with old classmates and co-workers that move on to other companies. In addition to networking externally get to know people in other groups you work with. Any of them can end up in a company with a position that’s perfect for you and as an internal referral, you’ll have a higher chance of getting the job.

As much as 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections. You never know when the perfect job that moves your career forward will come from.

4. Help others

Offer to help with a project even if it’s not your responsibility. People you help now will be more likely to return the favor in the future. Research shows that "even if the rewards aren’t immediately apparent, contributing to the success of others pays off in the long run."

Mentor junior team members on their projects. Explaining concepts to others will help you learn and help you work on your communication skills.

5. Be proactive

Don’t wait for success to come to you.

If you want a promotion, ask your manager what you need to do to make that happen.

If you want a raise prepare your arguments and talk to your manager about why you deserve a raise.

Don’t expect your manager to wake up one day and think it’s time to promote you or give you a raise. Your manager is not a mind reader. Make your career goals clear and talk to your manager about the best way to achieve them.

The worse that will happen is you’ll be told "no," but the best case is you’ll get what you asked for.


Thanks for reading and I hope your path to success, however you define it, comes sooner rather than later.


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